The Power of Music

Principal Sarah Osborne-James believes that performance is such an important life skill for our students, it’s not just about entertainment. Every performance has required hours of rehearsal, the discipline and commitment needed to learn to play an instrument or to sing a song, and the courage to be on the stage in front of so many people. Music can have a profound impact on us all and warm the soul.

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Our close links with the Juilliard school provides both our children and staff with unique opportunities and inspiration for all types of performances throughout the school. You can see how important the Performing Arts are to our school when you see how many of our students have been involved over the last couple of weeks.

A record number of Secondary school students, 35% of them in fact, will be performing next week. This is even more than the wonderful Summer Concert held back in June. The choir, orchestra, chamber orchestra, brass group, big band and rock bands have all been rehearsing every week since September. Now we are closer to the concert they have all put in even more time to ensure a great performance for you.

For the Primary concerts last week 30% of all Year 2 to Year 6 students were involved, with more ensemble groups than ever with the orchestra, Year 2-3 choir, Year 4-6 choir, chamber string ensemble, chamber flute ensemble, clarinet ensemble and the rock band. All of these young musicians have been practicing hard and rehearsing every week since September. Many had never even played an instrument before and they put on a wonderful show.

Research has clearly shown that learning music helps children to excel in many different aspects of their education. Making music involves so many different skills which transfer into many other areas. You have to use your ears, your eyes and just the many small movements needed to play an instrument helps develop motor skills and concentration for the very young. It has been shown to help language development, exercise the brain, increase spacial intelligence and improve test scores. There are many intrinsic benefits such as learning a skill, managing performance and nerves and being proud of something you have achieved. And let’s not forget, making and performing music is a joy in its own right!